David Morales Seeks Thousands at 100-Person Brooklyn Fundraiser as Providence Rent Fight Powers Mayoral Bid
Updated
Updated · Gothamist · Jul 9
David Morales Seeks Thousands at 100-Person Brooklyn Fundraiser as Providence Rent Fight Powers Mayoral Bid
2 articles · Updated · Gothamist · Jul 9
Summary
More than 100 supporters are expected Thursday at a Crown Heights fundraiser for David Morales, a 27-year-old Rhode Island lawmaker challenging Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and seeking thousands for his insurgent campaign.
Morales is tapping New York’s Democratic socialist network as he tries to close a cash gap: Smiley had $1.3 million on hand in May versus Morales’ $119,000, though Morales was reportedly leading on individual donors four-to-one.
Rent policy is central to the race. Morales backs rent control in a city where renters make up 60% of households and Redfin ranked Providence the least affordable U.S. city for renters last year.
That message follows an April clash in Providence, when the City Council passed a 4% rent-cap ordinance for most apartments and Smiley vetoed it, arguing the policy would not provide a lasting solution.
The event also underscores New York’s growing role as a fundraising hub for socialist candidates nationwide, with NYC-DSA figures, state lawmakers and allies of Mayor Zohran Mamdani helping host Morales’ push.